By David Max

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After tossing and turning over making this list, who would be on this list, and preparing for the arguments that ensue after list such as these, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. This is a topic of conversation, amongst NBA purest and casual fans alike. Especially those of you like me who love the point guard position. Whatever you choose to call them…Floor Generals…The Quarterback of basketball… or an extension of the coach; A point guard has many responsibilities. A few of these would be, establishing tempo, getting teammates going,  knowing when to pass and when to shoot, calling plays, and making sure everyone is doing their job. So, I put together a list of the great eight, I feel are the best at the position. With criteria that includes: Impact on the game, stats (including turnovers), are you a legitimate threat? Meaning can you pass and score, not just one or the other.  Finally, how would your team fair without you. So without further a due: My top 8 Point Guards….

 

 

Reggie kicks off my Top 8 with a bang. In his first full season as the Pistons floor general, Reggie is averaging 19 points per game, and just over 6 assist. Wanting a Starting role in OKC, and the Thunder not willing to grant his wish he was eventually Traded to Detroit were he blossomed. Proving he was worthy to lead, the Pistons rewarded him with a 5yr extension, and neither he nor Detroit has looked back. Currently in 8th place in the Eastern Conference standings, and half the season in, the future is looking bright. I would like to put him higher, and maybe I will down the line but he has to get his assist numbers up, and he and Drummond have to find a way to get more wins in the dreadful Eastern Conference.

 

Isaiah Thomas went from the last pick in the 2011 draft (by a terribly run franchise), to not being wanted by said franchise, then Signing with an equally as bad franchise. Thomas, now with the Celtics, is having a career year and will be in his first Allstar game February 14. Averaging 21.5 ppg, 3.0 rebs, and 6.6 ast this season, Thomas and his underrated Celtics are currently sitting in 4th place in the Eastern Conference. If you don’t watch much basketball, Isaiah is 5’9 and all heart. Capable of knocking down outside shots, and definitely not afraid to go inside with the trees. I was hoping he would eventually land with a competent organization and have the year he’s currently having. He’s been one of my favorite players to watch since entering the league and soon he’ll be a house hold name.

 

 

 

Why isn’t John Wall higher on the list? For the record I wanted him to be. Leading the league in turnovers (4.4) and your team  being 5 games below .500 (22-27) in the weaker Eastern Conference doesn’t help. However he’s third in the league in assist (9.8), and he’s in the top 10 in every major category amongst point guards. The turnovers could be attributed to having the ball in his hands so much, since he may be the only true playmaker on the Wizards. With Bradley Beal seeming to always get hurt, and the Wizards dream of getting Kevin Durant fading fast,  John maybe the Eastern Conference version of Anthony Davis:  A dynamic player stuck on a team of underachievers and injury prone players. Until GM Ernie Grunfeld surrounds him with some talent or grants his freedom, let’s enjoy the must see TV that is John Wall.

 

 

 

 

Who has had to do more with less this season? After losing four starters in the offseason, Damian Lillard and the Blazers looked like they were on the verge of being Western Conference dweller cellars. However Dame did what he’s been doing his entire life; prove people wrong. Shortly after all the roster moves, Lillard signed a new contract with Portland and got in the gym. Averaging career highs in points (24.0) and assist (7.3), Dame has the Blazers in striking distance of a playoff spot. Snubbed from an Allstar spot because certain players getting life time achievement award votes *cough* kobe *cough* Good news is Lillard is only 25, with plenty in the tank. He’ll have plenty of Allstar berths, and plenty more seasons to make Portland and the great city of Oakland, CA proud.

 

 

 

 

If one word describes Kyle Lowry it would be “transformation”. In the 14-15 season Kyle’s numbers tailed off. In the playoffs it was evident he ran out of gas. So in the offseason Lowry Transformed his body. The new and improved slim Kyle Lowry is lighting up the NBA,  and is leading the Toronto Raptors to their best start in franchise history. Through 50 games Toronto is 34-16, which is good for second in the Eastern Conference standings. The Raptors have won 13 of their last 14 games, and are only 2 games behind Cleveland for the first place lead. Kyle who’s is averaging a career high 21.0 ppg,and shooting a shade under 40% from outside. He’s also leading all point guards in minutes played per game (36.7) and fourth overall in that category. All thanks to that “transformation” over the summer.

 

Chris  Paul has been Mr. Consistency for 11 years. Yes I said 11. Let that sink in. He’s been the gold standard for most of those years. Paul has essentially been this generations John Stockton. His numbers are slightly down this season, but they are fairly close to his career averages. Plus he finally has enough talent around him to where he doesn’t have to do everything himself. He is King of the Mid-Range, a passing wizard, and a magician with his ball handling. Cp3’s game is tailor made for longevity.  4th in the league in assist, and 5th in the league in steals, 11 years in! Still producing. Not the fastest, nor the strongest, nor does he have a 40 inch vertical. But he’s still the best PURE point guard in terms of running a team. 

 

 

 

After much debate here at Couch Sports, the walking triple double himself comes in at number #2. With his ridiculous stat line of:  24 ppg, 7.6 rebs, 10 ast! I need you to read that stat line again. I’ll wait… yes he’s close to averaging a triple double. He has career highs in rebounds, and assist but most of all field goal percentage, which is up to 46%. One of the most feared players in the Association, he may come down the lane and tomahawk on you, he may shake you out your socks, and he can knock down the jumper from any distance . Russell has 8 triple doubles, second to Draymond Green who has 10. With no signs of slowing down, Russell and his Thunder are currently sitting in third place in the West, and primed to make a deep run in the playoffs. With no one in the league able to guard him, he may be arguably one of the most unguardable players to ever lace up sneakers.

 

 

 

 

Reigning MVP, NBA champion,  3 point champion, shattering his own records, and revolutionizing the game of basketball. The funny part about all those accolades is, Curry has gotten better! Career highs all across the board: 29.8 points a game, 5.3 rebounds, .51% fg, .45% shooting from  downtown, and leading the Dubs to a 46-4 record (41 straight at home). Even everyone’s favorite Chicago Bulls didn’t start off this fast. Steph is not only the best point guard in the league, he’s the best player in the world right now. From his handles, to his shooting, he’s practically unguardable. From golfing with the President, to having the most popular jersey. The legend of Steph Curry is growing, and barring injury, he’ll capture another MVP, and another ring.